Top 5 Fastest bowlers in world cricket

A number of the fastest bowlers in cricket history have gone on to become the greatest of all time. Among the fastest bowlers to establish themselves in the cricket world are Shoaib Akhtar, Shaun Tait, and Malcolm Marshall. But do you know which bowler holds the record for delivering the fastest ball in world cricket to date? Today, in this article, we will know about the 5 fastest balls in cricket history and the bowlers who threw them.

1. Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan)

Shoaib Akhtar, known as the Rawalpindi Express, has taken 444 international wickets. He played his final international match against New Zealand in 2011 after making his debut against the West Indies in 1997. Against England in the 2003 Cricket World Cup, he bowled the fastest ball in cricket history, travelling 161.3 km/h. In the forthcoming contests, someone might surpass Akhtar's record, but it's unlikely that world cricket will see another Akhtar.

2. Brett Lee (Australia)

Brett Lee, Australia's speedster, has taken 718 international wickets. In cricket, he was among the fastest bowlers in the world. In 2005, against New Zealand in Napier, he bowled the fastest ball ever recorded (161.1 km/h). Lee played his final international match in 2012, having made his debut against India in Melbourne in 1999.

3. Shaun Tait (Australia)

Despite only taking 95 international wickets during his tenure as an Australian, Shaun Tait was one of the fastest bowlers in cricket history. Against England in 2010, he bowled the fastest ball ever (160.6 km/h). He played in the BBL, IPL, and other leagues in addition to international cricket, but he gave up on the sport in 2015 because of his frequent injuries.

 4. Jeff Thomson (Australia)

With 255 international wickets, Jeff Thomson is arguably Australia's fastest bowler ever. He played his final international game against England in 1985 after making his debut against Pakistan in 1973. In 1975, while playing the West Indies in Perth, he bowled the fastest ball ever recorded (160.6 km/h).

5. Mitchell Starc (Australia)

Mitchell Starc, Australia's best bowler of the modern era, has taken 699 international wickets. He frequently bowls at speeds above 145, making him one of the world's quickest bowlers. For batters, his in-swing yorkers are misery. On the third day of the second Test match in 2015, he bowled his fastest ball ever (160.4 km/h) against New Zealand. His most recent appearance was against India in the World Test Championship Final 2025 against South Africa. He can break Shoaib Akhtar’s Fastest ball ever in the upcoming cricket matches. Australia will face the West Indies in the 3 test match series in the upcoming days.